Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan

Transcription

1 Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan

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3 Suggested Citation: Sea Duck Joint Venture Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan for January 2016 through December Report of the Sea Duck Joint Venture. Available at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska, and Environment Canada, Quebec City, Quebec. Also available at seaduckjv.org. 22 pp. Cover photo credit: King and Common Eiders, Point Barrow, Alaska;

4 Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan January 2016 through December 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS OBJECTIVE... 1 INTRODUCTION... 1 PRIORITIES POPULATION DELINEATION... 1 MONITORING... 5 HARVEST MANAGEMENT... 8 HABITAT CONSERVATION OTHER RESEARCH COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION... 17

5 Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan OBJECTIVE The objective of the Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) Implementation Plan is to describe current SDJV priorities, identify deliverables, set out time lines, and identify the individual(s) responsible for implementation of priority tasks outlined in the SDJV Strategic Plan over the period January 2016 through December The Implementation Plan also reports on progress toward addressing tasks during the previous two years. The 3-year Implementation Plan is a living document that is revisited annually and revised to reflect changing SDJV priorities, mandates, and progress toward objectives. This document revises the plan published in April INTRODUCTION This Implementation Plan steps down the SDJV Strategic Plan, providing more specific direction and priorities over a shorter, 3-year, time frame. It is intended to be a flexible, dynamic document that is reviewed and revised annually to reflect progress toward addressing science priorities and adapted to address new initiatives. The Implementation Plan is reviewed each year by the SDJV Continental Technical Team (CTT) at their annual fall meeting. The CTT makes preliminary recommendations for revisions to the Plan and presents them to the Management Board during the joint CTT-Management Board fall meeting. A subcommittee, composed of SDJV Coordinators, CTT and Management Board co-chairs drafts a revision to present to the Management Board prior to a spring teleconference. PRIORITIES Priorities set out in this Implementation Plan are designed to help meet the SDJV mission, which is to promote the conservation of all North American sea ducks through partnerships by providing greater knowledge and understanding for effective management. The strategic plan reflects a significant shift in focus for the SDJV, from a broad-based science program to a more focused program intended to provide information most needed by managers to make informed decisions. The strategic plan identifies the SDJV s highest priorities as: 1) estimate parameters needed to manage and ensure sustainability of sea duck harvest, 2) better understand habitat use and needs, and 3) ensure that the SDJV maximizes learning from research that has already been done. The plan also prioritizes among species; the highest priority species are surf scoter, black scoter, white-winged scoter, long-tailed duck, and American common eider. A summary of recent accomplishments and tasks for the next three years are described below for SDJV science initiatives as well as for administrative, outreach, and communication programs. POPULATION DELINEATION At the inception of the SDJV, the lack of understanding about population delineation was seen as one of the highest priority topics for future work. Identifying links among breeding, molting, staging, and wintering areas will help improve the design of monitoring surveys and interpretation of trends, and more effectively direct management actions including harvest management. Many SDJV partners have used satellite telemetry to document migration patterns of sea ducks and determining temporal and spatial linkages throughout the annual cycle. Satellite telemetry also yields a wealth 1

6 Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan of data on seasonal site and habitat use, thus informing habitat conservation efforts. Genetics and stable isotopes have also provided insights into how populations are structured, and multiple complementary approaches (satellite telemetry, genetics, isotopes, banding) may provide the best portrayal of population delineation. An ongoing analysis of PTT data and sample size requirements, scheduled for completion in 2016, will hopefully provide some insights into sample size requirements for satellite telemetry studies. The Population Delineation subcommittee now consists of Sean Boyd Chair (EC-WLSD) and includes SDJV CTT members Scott Gilliland (CWS), Chris Dwyer (USFWS), John Pearce (USGS), Grant Gilchrist (EC-WLSD), (USFWS), and other invited scientists, as needed. In 2016, the SDJV will continue its efforts to inform population delineation and collect movement, winter habitat use, and breeding location data using satellite telemetry for black scoter and surf scoter wintering in the Pacific, white-winged scoter on a continental scale, and long-tailed duck in eastern North America. A comprehensive review of current knowledge on delineation approaches, findings from past research, sample size requirements, and information gaps was a topic of the CTT meeting in fall 2015 and will again be the theme of a workshop at the CTT meeting in fall A strategy for moving forward with population delineation projects will be devised following the fall 2016 meeting. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: TASK/DELIVERABLE Advise agencies, JV s etc., responsible for habitat conservation about results of population delineation studies Compile annual report on cumulative results and data from Atlantic and Great Lakes Sea Duck Migration Study Update telemetry database for Atlantic and Great Lakes study Conduct analyses of PTT sample size requirements using hypothetical data and existing data sets NEED BEING SERVED Identificaiton of important areas Check progress; identify remaining gaps and need for re-direction Availability of most current research results Guidance on effort required for all satellite telemetry studies LEAD SDJV Coordinators and flyway reps on CTT in concert with PIs and database manager Database and mapping coordinator Contracted via Pacific Wildlife Foundation, BC BENCHMARKS / COMPLETION DATES Recurring activity Annually, or as new results dictate Annually Annual report due Sept 29, 2013 OUTCOME: Annual progress report for Atlantic and Great Lakes Migration Study provided to Atlantic Flyway technical reps and also posted on SDJV web site Last report completed June 2015 Ongoing via contractor: Biodiversity Research Institute Not completed/ delayed; new contractor identified Feb Mark Surf Scoters with PTTs in Douglas Channel (Kitimat), BC Delineation of Pacific Scoter populations Boyd, WS Marking done in April Report completed by Annual progress report posted on SDJV web site 2

7 Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan Mark white-winged scoters with PTTs on Atlantic coastal wintering areas Mark long-tailed ducks with PTTs on Atlantic coastal wintering areas Conduct pilot study to assess trapping potential for LTDU in Lake Michigan Mark Pacific black scoters with PTTs on spring staging areas on Alaska Peninsula Synthesize available information about population delineation for all sea duck species Delineation of Atlantic-wintering WWSC; characterize habitat use Delineation of Atlantic-wintering LTDU; characterize habitat use Delineation of of LTDU wintering on Great Lakes Delineation of Pacific black scoters from key wintering area Ensure results of studies are available Lucas Savoy, BRI, and Univ. Rhode Island Lucas Savoy, BRI, and Univ. Rhode Island USGS Midwest Research Center, Kevin Kenow. Alaska Dept Fish and Game Various Annual progress reports by Sept 28 Annual progress reports by Sept 28 Annual progress reports by Sept 28 Annual progress reports by Sept 28 Initial workshop fall 2015 In 2014, marked 3 adult female WWSC; in November 2015, marked 22 adult female WWSC In November- December 2015, marked 15 adult female LTDU Pilot study was successful; team was able to capture LTDU by mist-netting and nightlighting Weather issues prevented meeting goal; marked one adult female. Second attempt planned for 2016 Part of initial workshop at fall 2015 SDJV meeting WORK PLAN ( ): Core Annual Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE Advise agencies, JV s etc., responsible for habitat conservation and harvest management about results of satellite tracking studies Re-evaluate progress and design of Atlantic and Great Lakes study after completion of 2016 trapping sessions; develop strategy to address remaining priority gaps Compile annual report on cumulative results and data from Atlantic and Great Lakes Sea Duck Migration Study Update telemetry database for Atlantic and Great Lakes study Collect feather samples fom harvested birds via parts collection surveys in U.S. and Canada NEED BEING SERVED Protection of important areas; more informed decisions about harvest management Evaluate original study design to ensure goals are being met in most cost effective way. Provide information to partners and stakeholders; identify remaining gaps and need for re-direction Availability of most current research results Obtain tissues needed for isotopic and/or genetic analyses LEAD SDJV U.S. Coordinator and flyway reps on CTT CTT in concert with PIs and database manager Database and mapping coordinator Sarah Sonsthagen, COMPLETION DATES Recurring activity accomplished through posted reports,executive summaries, and flyway meetings Review after completion of each field season (dates will vary among years) and analysis of sample size requirements Annually, or as new results dictate Ongoing via contractor BRI Continue sampling until sample size goals have been met for all species; begin pilot analyses opportunistically and 3

8 Sea Duck Joint Venture Implementation Plan through RFP WORK PLAN ( ): Unique In-Year Tasks 2016 TASK/DELIVERABLE Conduct analyses of PTT sample size requirements using hypothetical data and existing data sets Re-evaluate previous results from population delineation studies (satellite telemetry, genetics, isotopes, banding); develop strategy to address remaining priority gaps Implement satellite telemetry study of whitewinged scoters and long-tailed ducks along southern New England coast Investigate delineation of Pacific Barrow s goldeneye populations using genetic markers Satellite telemetry of Pacific Black Scoters in Alaska Mark adult female LTDU wintering in Lake Michigan 2017 Satellite telemetry of Surf Scoter and White-winged Scoters in Alaska Investigate husbandry techniques to improve survival rates of sea ducks implanted with PTTs (esp. SUSC and LTDU) 2018 Satellite telemetry of Surf Scoter and White-winged Scoters in Alaska NEED BEING SERVED Guidance on marking effort required for all satellite telemetry studies Evaluate approaches to ensure goals are being met in most cost effective way. Work to fill gaps for delineation of high priority species ID population structure and complement sat telemetry results with another technique Work to fill gaps for Pacific scoters Work to fill gaps for Great Lakes LTDU Work to fill geographic gaps and increase sample size for Pacific scoters Increase survival and effective PTT sample sizes; address concerns about animal welfare. Work to fill geographic gaps for delineation and meet minimum sample size for Pacific scoters LEAD Contract via Pacific Wildlife Foundation, BC CTT workshop at fall 2016 meeting University of Rhode Island Sarah Sonsthagen, USGS Alaska Science Center Alaska Dept Fish and Game USGS Midwest Research Center, Kevin Kenow Alaska Dept Fish and Game TBD, possibly via RFP Alaska Dept Fish and Game COMPLETION DATES Report expected early fall 2016 Incorporate strategy into Implementation Plan Deploy PTTs as per recommendations from Steering Committee and CTT; Captures planned Feb-Mar 2016 Complete progress report by Sept 28, 2016 Captures April 2016 (successful); progress report by Sept 28, 2016 Captures planned Feb- April 2016; progress report by Sept 28, 2016 Captures April 2017; progress report by Sept 28, 2017 TBD. Captures April 2018; progress report by Sept 28,

9 MONITORING The SDJV has emphasized the importance of documenting the distribution and relative abundance of sea duck populations as a precursor to establishing population objectives, determining population trends, predicting potential effects of threats and climate change, and evaluating the effects of management actions including harvest. Monitoring for many sea duck species remains inadequate for these purposes. The SDJV has so far focused on developing and testing alternative survey methodology, with the expectation that once developed, surveys would be administered by wildlife agencies in the U.S. and Canada an expectation that has not materialized due largely to tightening budgets. The Monitoring is currently chaired by Scott Gilliland (CWS) and includes Emily Silverman (USFWS), Eric Taylor (USFWS), (USFWS), Don Kraege (WDFW), Chris Dwyer (USFWS), Eric Reed (CWS), Shannon Badzinski (CWS), and Anthony Roberts (USFWS). In fall 2015, the subcommittee was tasked with reviewing the 2007 SDJV report, Recommendations for Monitoring Distribution, Abundance, and Trends for North American Sea Ducks, and to identify current monitoring priorities and strategies. The priorities of the SDJV have been to develop programs to monitor long-term trend, abundance and distribution of sea ducks: at a sufficiently large geographic scale to permit detection of broad-scale changes in distribution or densities that may result from habitat changes, such as those induced by climate change. for manageable discrete population units that may be subject to specific threats, and for which conservation actions could be taken and evaluated. cost-effectively, while providing the greatest possible confidence in the survey results. to provide information on distribution and abundance to developers so that they can reduce or mitigate their effects on sea duck populations (e.g. new and expanded offshore wind, tidal, and oil energy development). To provide managers with information needed for harvest and habitat management. The SDJV has explored several survey alternatives and methodologies and has laid the foundation for operational surveys. Much of this work has followed guidance in the 2007 SDJV report Recommendations for Monitoring North American Sea Ducks ( In 2016, the SDJV will review this report, summarize work done since that report was written, and develop a new general sea duck monitoring strategy that builds on the 2007 report. A one-day workshop was held at Patuxent WRC immediately prior to the North American Duck Symposium, February 2016 that helped develop a framework for this strategy. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING COMPLETION LEAD OUTCOME SERVED DATES Implement priority Evaluate feasibility Various PIs Progress Reports All but one 5

10 monitoring projects Conduct a reconnaissance survey of the Barrenlands area west of Hudson Bay Conduct Pacific common eider breeding surveys in central arctic Canada Complete Sea Duck Aerial Detection Rate study Evaluate crowdsourcing methods to assist with processing and analyses of aerial photographic data sets Pacific winter sea duck survey Conduct Eider Spring Migration Survey at Point Barrow, Alaska of various options for monitoring sea ducks Determine distribution and relative densities of sea ducks and other waterfowl Determine relative densities, estimates, for comparison with historical data Enable scaling of abundance indices to actual abundance Part of study to estimate aerial detection rates Document distribution and relative abundance at coarse scale Estimate numbers of COEI and KIEI for northern Alaska and western Canada USFWS (Walt Rhodes lead) CWS USFWS, Washington Dept Fish and Wildlife USFWS USFWS (Walt Rhodes lead) Wildlife Society, North Slope Borough for funded projects due end of September. Expect report February 2016 Survey June 2015 and 2016; Progress reports end of September Progress report end of August 2015 Reconnaisance conducted in northern BC during 2015 to evaluate feasibility Survey April-June 2015; Progress report end of August 2015 survey/project (Pacific winter sea duck survey) completed as planned Survey was completed in 2014 and expanded in Survey conducted in both 2014 and Progress report posted on SDJV web site Preliminary data analysis completed, presented at sea duck conference in Iceland and at NADS Analyses ongoing Project is ongoing; progress report posted on SDJV web site Intial plans being formulated to evaluate risks Progress report with prelim results posted on SDJV web site WORK PLAN ( ): Core Annual Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD Implement priority monitoring projects Evaluate feasibility and utility of alternatives for monitoring sea ducks Various PIs COMPLETION DATES Progress Reports for funded projects due end of September. 6

11 As monitoring programs are established, continue to evaluate species population objectives for validity, and determine whether any new species could have objectives determined Provide information to guide conservation of sea ducks at smallest scale possible CTT Population Objectives subcommittee Periodically WORK PLAN ( ): Unique In-Year Tasks 2016 TASK/DELIVERABLE Conduct Eider Spring Migration Survey at Point Barrow, Alaska Review current status of sea duck surveys and methodology and recommend general monitoring strategy for next 3+ years 2017 Survey remaining unsurveyed areas of BC coast as part of Pacific Coast Winter Sea Duck Survey Phase 2. Begin analyses of data from Pacific Coast Winter Sea Duck Survey 2018 No specific monitoring projects currently planned NEED BEING SERVED Estimate numbers of COEI and KIEI for northern Alaska and western Canada Ensure monitoring meets the needs of waterfowl managers Document distribution and relative abundance at coarse scale Evaluate recent reconnaissance survey information and recommend study design for potential operational survey LEAD Wildlife Society, North Slope Borough Monitoring subcommmittee, CTT and others as appropriate USFWS, Washington Dept Fish and Wildlife USFWS MBM HQ COMPLETION DATES Survey April-June 2016; Progress report end of September day workshop to be held in conjunction with North American Duck Symposium, February 2016; recommendations report completed prior to fall meeting February 2017 Report by December

12 HARVEST MANAGEMENT To help address the needs of decision-makers, a Harvest Management was established in CTT members on the Harvest Management include: Chris Dwyer (USFWS, chair), Jay Osenkowski (RI DF&W), Dan McAuley (USGS, PWRC), Scott Gilliland (CWS), Grant Gilchrist (EC, NWRC), Eric Taylor (USFWS), Don Kraege (WA DF&W), Emily Silverman (USFWS), and Nic McLellan (DU Canada). Additional members of the subcommittee from the harvest management community include: Randy Milton (NS DNR), Brad Allen (ME IF&W), Kelsey Sullivan (ME IF&W), Mark Koneff (USFWS), Eric Reed (CWS), Paul Padding (USFWS), Kathy Fleming (USFWS), Ken Richkus (USFWS), Barb Avers (MI DNR), Jim Kelley (USFWS), Guthrie Zimmerman (USFWS), Steve Olson (USFWS), Todd Sanders (USFWS) and Andre Breault (CWS). The purpose of this subcommittee was to: 1) engage the harvest management community (sport and subsistence) to estimate the harvest potential of priority sea duck populations and, 2) determine the priority information needed to support harvest management decision making that the SDJV can address through focused research and/or monitoring program development. Priority populations included black, surf and white-winged scoters, American common eiders and long-tailed ducks. The geographic scope includes the Atlantic, Mississippi and Pacific Flyways. The subcommittee was intended to provide support to, and work through, existing harvest management processes in place through the Flyway Councils and the Harvest Management Working Group rather than to provide independent recommendations and actions regarding sea duck harvest management. A report authored Koneff et al., Implications of Demographic Uncertainty for Harvest Management of North American Sea Ducks, was released for review by SDJV and flyway representatives, and others, in November The report highlighted the uncertainties in model parameters and identified parameters for which higher accuracy and precision would most improve the models. The report was endorsed by the SDJV Management Board as a first step in identifying research and monitoring needs for the SDJV in the context of better informing harvest management decisions. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: TASK/DELIVERABLE Identify priority actions and next steps in harvest management assessment Compile relevant demographic and survey information to use in conducting an assessment of the harvest potential of scoters, long-tailed ducks and American common eiders Conduct an expert elicitation process to review NEED BEING SERVED Inform sea duck harvest management decision-making community Inform sea duck harvest management decision-making community Inform sea duck harvest LEAD Harvest Management Harvest Management Harvest Management COMPLETION DATES Report to CTT and MB on the prospectus, priority actions and proposed timelines during fall meetings Report to CTT, MB, relevant flyway technical committees and the Harvest Management Working Group on progress and results Expert opinion received and OUTCOME Completed Completed Completed 8

13 demographic and survey information being used, and obtain input on parameter uncertainty values among sea duck experts management decision-making community incorporated into the final modelling effort by March, 2015 WORK PLAN ( ): Core Annual Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD Develop timeline for action items and incorporate into planning documents As monitoring programs are established or improved, continue to work with the harvest management community to evaluate whether species population objectives are warranted. Support the communication needs of the harvest management community as needed Provide scientific information to managers to facilitate decisions about harvest management sea ducks Provide information to managers to guide conservation of sea ducks at smallest scale possible Sea duck harvest management decisionmaking community, sea duck hunters/guides and the interested public. Harvest Management CTT Population Objectives subcommittee Harvest Management COMPLETION DATES In progress As needed and during continued evaluation of progress toward filling high priority information gaps. Provide information as needed to support agency outreach for management decisions made based on the science, and as described in the SDJV Communications Plan WORK PLAN ( ): Unique In-Year Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD 2016 Make recommendations for addressing information needs/priorities through the SDJV RFP process or other funding initiatives Deliver harvest assessment report to flyway councils and technical sections and solicit feedback Improve estimates of harvest for American Common Eider using genetics techniques to discriminate Determine feasibility and capacity for the SDJV to address information needs. Researchers, universities, agencies are made aware of priority information needs relative to managing harvest of sea ducks Ensure SDJV is helping to provide information most needed to improve harvest management of sea ducks Inform efforts to manage harvest Harvest Management Harvest Management USGS Alaska Science Center and USFWS Region 5 COMPLETION DATES Develop a plan for integration, costs and timelines into the research and monitoring plan updates, and the Implementation Plan Distribute report spring/summer 2016, request feedback by November 1, 2016 Progress report end of September

14 among geographic areas in the Species Composition Survey (parts collection) 2017 Conduct an Expected Value of Information analysis for the harvest assessment Provide guidance to researchers and managers on what information is most important Harvest Management ; authors of harvest assessment report Complete analysis and distribute draft report to SDJV CTT and Mgt Board by October 1, 2017 HABITAT CONSERVATION While the SDJV partnership has made progress in understanding where important sea duck habitats are, what times of the year they are used and for how long, and what proportion of certain populations use those areas, information on seasonal habitat use and abundance has not yet been consolidated into a centralized database that is easily accessible to waterfowl managers, habitat conservationists, and industries that need this information to prioritize sea duck habitat management. In 2013, a Sea Duck Habitat Management and was formed to lay out a strategy to better address habitat needs and identify priority actions for North American sea ducks. The Habitat Management and includes CTT members Nic McClellan (DUC, chair), (USFWS), Sean Boyd (EC S&T), Shannon Badzinski (CWS), Chris Dwyer (USFWS), Christine Lepage (CWS), Anthony Roberts (USFWS), and Management Board members Tom Rothe (PBJV) and Marc Wimer (USGS). In addition, other representatives from Habitat Joint Ventures will be engaged to determine information needs of the habitat Joint Ventures and habitat management communities as well as to identify opportunities whereby the SDJV may inform or influence land use and other policy issues. The Habitat Management and envisioned a three-step process moving forward: 1) develop a static Key Sites atlas that delineates and describes the most important sea duck areas in North America, 2) engage an entity to develop a web-based queryable geospatial database that includes data on seasonal sea duck use, and 3) encourage studies to determine what makes habitats important to sea ducks and whether certain habitats are limiting populations of sea ducks. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: TASK/DELIVERABLE Engage appropriate stakeholders to identify what information is most needed to protect and manage sea duck habitats NEED BEING SERVED Ensure best available science is made available to habitat conservationists, LEAD Habitat Management & COMPLETION DATES OUTCOME Feedback from Habitat JV coordinators received in Other 10

15 Begin development of a sea duck key sites atlas Identify existing data sources that can be used to better inform habitat conservation and protection efforts; characterize strengths and limitations of available data sets industry, and marine spatial planners. Make readily available static maps that provide planners information on areas most important to sea ducks including seasonal importance Ensure best available science is made available to habitat conservationists, industry, and marine spatial planners. Habitat Management & Habitat Management & Initial workshop at fall 2014 CTT meeting Initial list of data sources and contacts compiled by September 2015 needs identified in Communicaitons Plan Contractor hired to lead mapping workshop in Oct 2014; data currently being compiled and reviewed by area experts CTT members identified potential key sites and associated info on sea duck abundance during fall 2015 meeting WORK PLAN ( ): Core Annual Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD Review strategy and timeline for addressing information needs relative to habitat conservation Send annual SDJV newsletter and periodic targeted communications to coastal and Great Lakes habitat JVs Ensure that SDJV is working towards obtaining information needed by the sea duck habitat conservation and policy development communities Keep habitat JVs informed of SDJV research and monitoring; engage habitat JVs in sea duck habitat conservation Habitat Management & Habitat Management & COMPLETION DATES Report to CTT and MB on progress, priority actions and proposed timelines - reviewed annually Annual report in spring. Update on Key Sites and geospatial database efforts as they develop WORK PLAN ( ): Unique In-Year Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD 2016 Continue to develop a sea duck key sites atlas Make readily available static maps and site narratives that provide planners with information on areas most important to sea ducks including seasonal importance Habitat Management & COMPLETION DATES Mapsand metadata reviewed by experts by October Site narratives begun as soon as possible. Initial subset of maps and metadata reviewed by constiuents by October Progress reports to CTT 11

16 Identify and engage organizations that have the skills and capacity to integrate sea duck data into a geospatial database Include a sea duck habitat mapping update at NADS special sea duck session 2017 Publication of a sea duck key sites atlas Write a scope of work for development or integration of a web-based geospatial database of sea duck spatial and temporal distribution and relative abundance information 2018 Work with contractor to develop queryable geospatial database Provide accessibility to georeferenced information already collected and provide links to LCCs, Habitat Joint Ventures, and other audiences Inform conservation community about SDJV efforts to map sea duck key sites and intent to develop geospatial database of sea duck distribution and abundance data Make readily available static maps that provide planners information on areas most important to sea ducks including seasaonal importance Provide accessibility to information already collected and provide links to LCCs, Habitat Joint Ventures, and other audiences Ensure best available science is made available to habitat conservationists, industry, and marine spatial planners. Habitat Management & Habitat Management & Habitat Management & Habitat Management & Habitat Management & and MB in spring and fall 2016 By December 2016, identify what capabilities we and our constituencies need and at what scale and identify entities that could provide services Updata at North American Duck Symposium, February 2016 Maps are reviewed and site narratives are written by experts and posted on SDJV web site as they are completed. Completion by March 2017 Scope of work written by March 2017 TBD OTHER RESEARCH To support the science needed to meet the objectives of the SDJV, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has made available funds to support research on behalf of the SDJV. From 2002 to 2010, the SDJV annually issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) that solicited research addressing a broad array of information needs described in the SDJV Strategic Plan. This process resulted in significant advances in our understanding about sea duck migration patterns, habitat use, biology, and ecology. Beginning in 2011, the SDJV focused on a smaller set of topics and discontinued the RFP, but recognized that many other knowledge gaps remained that may help identify limiting factors for sea ducks. During the time frame of this implementation plan, we anticipate that much of the SDJV funding will be directed to the priority topics of harvest management and habitat conservation, including studies of population delineation and monitoring that support those topics and provide requisite baseline information. The CTT and Management Board would 12

17 also like to make funding available for broader research that addresses priorities of the SDJV, capitalizes on opportunities offered by partners, and further leverages SDJV funds. We anticipate that there will be a competitive request for proposals for FY2017, as well as self-directed studies that address priorities outlined in this plan (see Table 1). ACCOMPLISHMENTS: TASK/DELIVERABLE Revise Implementation Plan to reflect current research priorities Improve access of sea duck management community to services for disease detection and surveillance NEED BEING SERVED Effectively communicate research priorities and conservation actions with partners Address current backlog of response to previous disease events, and improve understanding of conservation risks posed by diseases LEAD CTT and Mgt Board subgroup Chris Dwyer and Grant Gilchrist COMPLETION DATES Begin revisions in Oct/Nov each year. Present to Mgt Board prior tospring teleconference for finalization Briefing document describing partnerbased efforts to address disease issues affecting sea ducks. Present to CTT/MB in Fall OUTCOME Implementation Plan completed Info on Wellfleet Bay virus was distributed at CTT/MB fall meeting WORK PLAN ( ): Core Annual Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD Revise Implementation Plan to reflect current research priorities Implement research program addressing new priorities and focal areas Effectively communicate research priorities and conservation actions with partners Ensure that the research program culminates in strong foundation for conservation actions CTT and Mgt Board sub-group CTT COMPLETION DATES Begin revisions in Oct- Dec each year. Present draft to Mgt Board prior to spring teleconference for finalization Decisions made by December each year WORK PLAN ( ): Unique In-Year Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD 2016 Re-evaluate priorities and focal areas for research program Ensure that the research program culminates in strong foundation for conservation actions CTT subcommittees and Mgt Board COMPLETION DATES Incorporate into revision of Implementation Plan

18 Post a competitive RFP addressing sea duck research priorities Address priority knowledge gaps and capitalize on partnership opportunities CTT and Mgt Board RFP to be posted in July 2016; funding decisions made during fall CTT and Mgt Board meetings COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH A Strategic Communications Plan was completed in March 2015 (Dayer 2015; The plan is focused on helping the SDJV address four goals, or outcomes: Goal 1. The SDJV contributes to scientific information about sea ducks and their habitats that is readily available and used by stakeholders. Goal 2. SDJV partners collaborate on research and monitoring to address sea duck conservation and management needs. Goal 3. SDJV priority actions are implemented that advance sea duck conservation and management. Goal 4. The SDJV is widely recognized as the leading conservation program for sea ducks and has a strong and informed constituency for sea ducks. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: TASK/DELIVERABLE Work with agency outreach specialists to identify priority communication and education needs of SDJV Improve communication and increase awareness of SDJV progress and accomplishments within the waterfowl community Interact with Communications/Outreach group on Association of JV Management Boards NEED BEING SERVED Create an outreach plan for the SDJV, rather than using an ad hoc approach Creates an easily accessible summary of annual work completed or supported, to help compare progress against priorities Ensure that messages about SDJV priorities are included in outreach materials LEAD Mgt Board cochairs have lead; USFWS outreach officer identified at HQ, also in Region 5 Coordinators Carey Smith represented SDJV on AJVMB COMPLETION DATES December 2012; Outreach plan is drafted, initial products prepared Annual report / newsletter highlighting key findings; post on web by January 2012 Ongoing OUTCOME Strategic Communications Plan completed March 2015 Annual report not completed; annual reports on Atlantic and Great Lakes Migration study completed and distributed to partners in Feb 2014 and June 2015 Provided SDJV highlights to outreach team re: JV Fact sheet 14

19 Interact with National Science Support Team Interact with LCC planning, climate change and other initiatives Facilitate an international sea duck conference every 3 years Maintenance and improvements to SDJV web site Revise Sea Duck Information Series to reflect current state of knowledge Provide an update on SDJV for Habitat Matters publication Ensure that the needs of sea ducks are incorporated into NAWMP Science Team activities Ensure sea duck needs are addressed Facilitate information exchange and priority-setting in the research community at large Web site serves as clearinghouse for sea duck information, research updates, and news General up-todate information about all sea duck species. Distributed as hardcopy series and on web. Improve communication and foster partnerships CTT and Mgt Board members on NSST Chris Dwyer, USFWS Region 5 Mgt Board rep, Tim Bowman Richard Elliot, Sean Boyd, Christine Lepage, Scott Gilliland SDJV members of conference organizing committees, past and present and CTT Canadian Coordinator Annually Use this information to brief CWS Regional Directors who are sitting on the LCC Boards. Conference scheduled for September, 2014 in Reykjavik, Iceland Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing; provided input into population objectives and mapping of significant sea duck areas Interacting with LCCs on an individual basis. Environment Canada has representation on LCC Boards and Technical Committees, interacting with LCCs on individual basis as opportunities arise Conference held Sept 2014 in Iceland On track; web site overhaul completed April 2015; continually making improvements Most revisions made, a few more needed and underway Completed; 2014 article about Aerial Survey Training Guide article about Barrow s Goldeneye work in Pacific WORK PLAN ( ): Core Annual Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD COMPLETION 15

20 Work with agency outreach specialists to identify priority communication and education needs of SDJV Improve communication and increase awareness of SDJV progress and accomplishments within the waterfowl community Circulate the RFP to the largest audience possible Facilitate communication and information sharing among sea duck managers and researchers internationally Maintain and Improve SDJV web site Provide an update on SDJV for Habitat Matters publication Provide progress reports and results of SDJV research and monitoring programs to BOEM, NOAA and other relevant agencies Outreach efforts targeted to specific issues or audiences Creates an easily accessible summary of annual work completed or supported, and results of studies Ensure awareness of funding opportunities to capitalize on partnership opportunities and further leverage SDJV funds Share scientific information, help facilitate research partnerships, policy development Web site serves as clearinghouse for sea duck information, research updates, and news Improve communication and foster partnerships Ensure that consideration is given to sea duck habitat use and requirements in the development and assessment of offshore wind farms and Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning activities Mgt Board cochairs have lead Coordinators All CTT members to circulate the RFP to their regional distribution list (academics, state or provincial partners, etc.) Coordinators, conference planning committee Canadian Coordinator, CTT and Mgt Board Members as applicable DATES Assignments to be made based on project subject matter and scope Annual report / newsletter and/or e-blast highlighting key findings by summer 2016 When warranted, an RFP for the SDJV is posted on the web and circulated to diverse consitituencies. 6 th International sea duck conference planned for 2017; distribute annual report; reports by flyway reps to flyway councils Ongoing updates as needed Ongoing Report for Atlantic and Great Lakes Migration Study is circulated to all partners and posted on web site WORK PLAN ( ): Unique In-Year Tasks 2016 TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD Work with agency outreach specialists to identify and produce outreach products focused on specific issues Revise Sea Duck Information Series to reflect current state Outreach efforts targeted to specific issues or audiences (e.g., sea duck hunting, key habitat maps) General up-to-date information about all sea Assignments to be made based on project subject matter and scope and CTT COMPLETION DATES Completion dates based on project subject matter and scope Finish revision of all species status 16

21 of knowledge Interact with Communications/Outreach group on Association of JV Management Boards duck species. Distributed as hardcopy series and on web Ensure that messages about SDJV priorities and accomplishments are included in outreach materials as appropriate Currently no SDJV rep to AJVMB summaries by September 2016 Determine whether SDJV wants to identify a rep by spring 2016 Develop talking points for use by Management Board, CTT, and others Communicate concisely SDJV purpose and key facts Incorporate into web site banner photos by March Develop walletsized cards by July th International Sea Duck Conference, San Francisco, CA Work with agency outreach specialists to identify and produce outreach products focused on specific issues 2018 Work with agency outreach specialists to identify and produce outreach products focused on specific issues Share scientific information, help facilitate research partnerships, policy development Outreach efforts targeted to specific issues or audiences (e.g., sea duck hunting, key habitat maps) Outreach efforts targeted to specific issues or audiences (e.g., sea duck hunting, key habitat maps) Members of conference planning committee; presenters Assignments to be made based on project subject matter and scope Assignments to be made based on project subject matter and scope 6 th International sea duck conference to be held on February 2017 Completion dates based on project subject matter and scope Completion dates based on project subject matter and scope ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION The administration of the SDJV is the responsibility of the Management Board and is achieved through direction from the Management Board to the two National Coordinators and the cochairs of the CTT as well as assignments to sub-committees of the Board and CTT. It is incumbent upon the Management Board, Coordinators, CTT co-chairs and relevant committees to develop and undertake an annual, on-going process to ensure that the Joint Venture focuses on the highest priority research and monitoring needs that can inform conservation management decisions. Progress toward achieving measureable objectives and focusing the SDJV research and monitoring programs should be discussed on a frequent basis to ensure that the SDJV continues to move strategically toward meeting the needs of managers, decision-makers and Habitat Joint Ventures. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: TASK/DELIVERABLE Review Strategic priorities to be focused NEED BEING SERVED Ensure that research and LEAD Mgt Board and CTT co- BENCHMARKS / COMPLETION DATES Review at November CTT OUTCOME 17

22 on by JV. Refine their integration into Implementation Plans Post RFPs in appropriate ornithological and public outlets Process and distribute proposals for CTT review and scoring Solicit and post on web all annual reports from SDJV-sponsored research and monitoring projects Prepare summary of funding and other recommendations for Mgt Board review Notify successful applicants for research and monitoring projects Process contracts, purchase orders, and coop agreements in support of SDJV funded projects Facilitate and coordinate purchase of satellite transmitters for SDJV projects as required Prepare summary notes and briefing documents for CTT and Mgt Board meetings Secure adequate meeting space, logistics, and arrange monitoring programs are addressing most pressing conservation and management needs Ensure awareness of funding opportunities and priorities Ensure adequate review time and consistency Information is effectively communicated with SDJV and waterfowl managers received to permit evaluation of SDJV approach Ensure effective communication among JV entities Administrative Administrative Capitalize on efficiencies related to bulk discounts Ensure adequate communication among JV staff Ensure effective communication chairs and subcommittees, and Coordinators. Coordinators - Tim Bowman, Patricia Edwards and Richard Cotter ; hosting staff meeting; present draft at March Mgt Board meeting. In years when research funds are available for allocation, the RFP is posted in July October, annually October annually Annually, prior to Mgt Board fall meeting By 10 January annually January-April annually January-April annually As needed As needed Discussed at joint CTT/MB meeting Nov2014 and Priorities integrated into this plan General RFP not warranted in 2014; completed in 2015 Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed 18

23 teleconferencing in support of CTT and Mgt Board meetings Annual Financial Report to USFWS Division of Bird Habitat Annual financial summary to NTS Canada and efficiency Document use and leveraging of all SDJV funds Document use and leveraging of SDJV funds in Canada only Canadian coordinator Richard Cotter December annually December annually Completed Completed WORK PLAN ( ): Core Annual Tasks TASK/DELIVERABLE NEED BEING SERVED LEAD Review Strategic priorities to be focused on by JV. Refine and integrate into Implementation Plans Post RFPs in appropriate ornithological and public outlets Process and distribute proposals for CTT review and scoring Solicit and post on web all annual reports from SDJV-sponsored research and monitoring projects Prepare summary of funding and other recommendations for Mgt Board review Notify successful applicants for research and monitoring projects Process contracts, purchase orders, grants, and coop agreements in support of SDJV funded projects Provide debriefings to unsuccessful applicants Facilitate purchase of satellite transmitters for SDJV projects as required Prepare summary notes and briefing documents Ensure that research, monitoring, and outreach programs are addressing most pressing conservation and management needs Ensure awareness of funding opportunities and priorities Ensure adequate review time and consistency Information is effectively communicated with SDJV and waterfowl managers received to permit evaluation of SDJV approach Ensure effective communication among JV entities Mgt Board and CTT co-chairs and subcommittees, and Coordinators COMPLETION DATES Review at fall CTT meeting; present draft to Mgt Board for spring teleconference In years when warranted, post RFP in July October, annually October annually Compiled after fall CTT meeting annually, presented to Mgt Board at their next meeting Administrative By 10 January annually Administrative January-July annually Constructive feedback to researchers; done only on request by applicant Capitalize on efficiencies related to bulk discounts Ensure adequate communication among JV & USFWS contracting Coordinators -, In January, if required January-April annually As needed 19

24 for CTT and Mgt Board meetings Secure adequate meeting space, logistics, and arrange teleconferencing in support of CTT and Mgt Board meetings Annual Financial Report to USFWS Division of Bird Habitat Annual financial summary to NTS Canada staff Ensure effective communication and efficiency Document use and leveraging of all SDJV funds Document use and leveraging of SDJV funds in Canada only Richard Cotter ; hosting staff Canadian coordinator Richard Cotter As needed December annually December annually Table 1. High priority science needs. Mechanism(s) for addressing Science Needs that will be considered for funding in FY17 1. Develop or refine techniques to estimate detection probabilities, misidentification rates, and count biases during aerial sea duck surveys 2. Support for the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey review including analyzing data with respect to reallocation of survey effort 3. Develop efficient methods for automating counts of birds in aerial photographs of large flocks, including birds with varying distribution and density patterns, and uniform vs dimorphic plumage 4. Determine population monitoring and information needs for management and conservation of sea ducks on the Great Lakes 5. Evaluate and modify veterinary and/or husbandry techniques to improve survival of sea ducks, particularly Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, and Long-tailed Duck, marked with implantable transmitters 6. Demonstrate the spatial resolution of stable isotope analysis of sea duck feather samples to determine breeding and molting areas in the absence of reference samples, particularly for scoters and Long-tailed Duck Competitive RFP or Competitive RFP or Competitive RFP or Competitive RFP in or Competitive RFP 20

25 7. Determine if recruitment is a problem for the American Common Eider (ACOEI) and if so, identify the limitations. This broad topic includes elements that could affect fecundity (e.g. breeding propensity, clutch size, nest success, hatching success), duckling survival (direct: duckling predation; indirect: habitat, disease, etc.), etc. 8. Determine whether sufficient population structure exists across the range of priority sea duck species to assess whether their populations should be managed as stocks or sub-populations, and ensure that research directed at reducing uncertainty in key demographic rates for population modeling efforts are applied at the appropriate geographic scales 9. Conduct satellite telemetry projects for Surf and Whitewinged Scoter on the Pacific coast to determine the following: a) linkages among breeding, molting, staging and wintering areas, b) key migration corridors and timing of migration, c) important habitats/sites used during the above stages, d) level of inter-annual return rates to breeding, molting and wintering habitats, and e) determine the magnitude of overlap in breeding distribution between Atlantic and Pacific wintering populations 10. Conduct satellite telemetry projects for White-winged Scoter and Long-tailed Duck on the Atlantic coast and Great Lakes to determine the following: a) linkages among breeding, molting, staging and wintering areas, b) key migration corridors and timing of migration, c) important habitats/sites used during the above stages, d) level of inter-annual return rates to breeding, molting and wintering habitats, and e) determine the magnitude of overlap in breeding distribution between Atlantic and Pacific wintering populations Competitive RFP Competitive RFP or Part of ongoing multiyear project in Alaska, FY17 and FY18 Part of ongoing multiyear projects in New England and Lake Michigan, FY17 and FY18 Science needs that remain high priority, but either do not require SDJV funding in FY17 or will not be pursued in FY Based on experimental winter sea duck surveys conducted in , design mid-coast Atlantic survey to assess distribution and abundance of Surf scoters and Long-tailed Duck and solicit feedback from the management and conservation communities. 12. Analyze existing tissue samples for key contaminant levels in sea ducks to document species- and geographic variation and identify potential contaminant problems, or lack thereof 13. Develop a proof-of-concept model/procedure for estimating sea duck carrying capacity on wintering areas solicitation (samples held by BRI) Competitive RFP 14. Review 2007 SDJV monitoring report and develop Ongoing internal SDJV 21